Contents

Design & Development

As the ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos fought many battles with its pilot Mikazuki Augus, it became too damaged to be repaired.[1] It was then sent to the MS Workshop in Saisei, the home base of Teiwaz, for an overhaul.[1] The new name "Lupus" was given by the Saisei's Chief Mechanic, who was also responsible for the mobile suit's maintenance.[2]

Based on Mikazuki's combat data, the mobile suit was reconfigured as a close combat unit, and its reaction speed and mobility were also increased, with adjustments made through the Alaya-Vijnana System to deepen the link between the machine's movement and the pilot's own senses.[1][2][3] As a result, the Gundam Frame's response rate was adjusted to match with the speed that Mikazuki senses.[1][2] Other changes to the suit's frame include the arms' frame being lengthened to match Mikazuki's senses, modified legs' frame to help it adapt seamlessly to ground combat, and lastly, frame parts in the arm and leg joints were replaced by those reproduced by Teiwaz, this helps to resolve the accumulated damages and also improved their movability.[2][3]

The suit's armaments were rebuilt to fit Mikazuki's fighting style, and while its body armor is light, it is designed to most effectively fend off the impacts of being shot by a greater use of curved surfaces.[1][2] Since Mikazuki prefers close combat, reducing damage sustained until he gets close to the opponent is a major issue.[1][2]

Armaments

Sword-Mace

A heavy, close combat weapon developed by Teiwaz's technicians for Barbatos Lupus, its shape and weight is designed to avoid hampering the MS' mobility.[1][3] Although shaped like a sword, it is a chopping weapon rather than a slicing one.[3]

200mm Gun

Mounted on forearms, the gun barrel faces backward when not in use and rotates forward when in use.[2] The recoil when fired is absorbed by the weapon's rail slide, minimizing the effect on the control of the MS.[2] Close combat weapons can be held in hand while the 200mm Gun is equipped.

Twin Mace

Smaller than the usual mace, the twin maces are easier to wield.[3] Main weapon used by Barbatos Lupus in a melee.[4]

Arm Rocket Launcher

Close to mid-range shooting weapons.[5] Like the 200mm gun, they are mounted on the forearms via rail slides that absorb recoil.[3] The launchers face backwards when not in use and rotate forward when used. Close combat weapon can be held in hand while the launchers are equipped.

New Long Sword

A long sword forged by the MS workshop in Saisei for Barbatos Lupus' use.[6] Its blade is made of the same rare alloy as that used in mobile suit's frames, and in the hands of the right pilot, it can bisect a mobile suit.[6] Not used in the anime.

Valkyrja Buster Sword

Borrowed from the V08Re-0526 Helmwige Reincar, it is a large sword that exceeds the mobile suit’s height, and was designed for use against mobile armors.

Equipment

Sub Arm

Like the original Barbatos, Barbatos Lupus has a pair of Sub Arms on its back for mounting weapons. They also contain a hidden claw each that can be used for attacking enemy units at the rear.[3]

Alaya-Vijnana System

The cable connecting the pilot to the machine's Alaya-Vijnana system is lengthen and can be extended out of the cockpit.[2] This is to assist Mikazuki who has lost sensation in his right arm.[2]

Later it was deployed to fight off the Dawn Horizon Corps in space, destroying multiple Garm Rodis and eventually defeating the Hugo used by the group's leader Sandoval Reuters, leading to his capture by Mikazuki.

The Barbatos Lupus was severely damaged in the battle against Hashmal, a mobile armor from the Calamity War era. It was then sent back to Saisei for an overhaul, and was upgraded into the ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex.

Before the damaged Barbatos Lupus was sent to Saisei, a group picture of Tekkadan was taken in front of it. A copy of this photo was seen years later in the house where Akatsuki and Atra Mixta live in.

Lineart

Notes & Trivia

The word 'Barbatos' is derived from the latin "barbatus" which means bearded. The Ars Goetia demon is often depicted with a beard, and this is reflected on the suit via the red chin piece.

"Lupus" is Latin for "wolf".

With its Alaya-Vijnana System's safety limiter removed, Barbatos Lupus' eyes glows a blood red. This may pay homage to the EXAM System, where mobile suits utilizing this system will have red eyes if the system is activated.

Barbatos Lupus' battle with Hashmal maybe a reference to the biblical confrontation between demons and angels. From another point of view, it could look like a regal knight combating a dangerous monster.

An image similar to the sigil of the demon, Barbatos, can be seen on the console upon activation.

With the same happening to the ASW-G-01 Gundam Bael, it can be assumed that all Gundam Frames would have sigils on their consoles upon activation.